Soak Seeds to Speed Up Germination
An easy early‑season boost for Kamloops gardeners Kamloops’ growing season can feel short, especially when spring soil stays cool well into April. One simple way to give warm‑season crops and some flowers a head start is to soak certain seeds before planting. This gentle pre‑treatment helps seeds break dormancy faster, leading to earlier sprouts and stronger early growth. Why Soaking … Continue reading →
Hypertufa Planters
Made from Portland cement, peat moss and vermiculite/perlite, Hypertufa pots, have long been favourites in English alpine gardens. Traditionally shaped into rectangular troughs, they can be made in almost any size or form. Their charm lies in not only their rustic, stone-like appearance but also in their durability: hypertufa is lighter than concrete, far more freeze-resistant than ceramic or terra … Continue reading →
Seed Snails: A New Way to Start Seeds
A Space‑Saving Way to Start More Seeds This Spring If you’re looking to start extra seedlings without taking over every windowsill in the house, seed snails are a clever solution worth trying. This simple method turns leftover packaging—foam sheets, cardboard, tissue paper, even bubble wrap—into compact seed‑starting spirals that hold dozens of seedlings in the space of a single tray. … Continue reading →
Garden Tasks for Late Winter
The weather of late has us all itching to get back out and get our hands into the dirt, soil, compost and start the gardening for 2026. What can one safely do now without causing harm to one’s favourite garden gems? Well, let’s begin with fruit trees. Fruit Trees With the comfortable days and snow‑free yards, it is prime time … Continue reading →
February Newsletter
Haskaps: A Very Canadian Berry
What Haskaps would like you to know Although Haskap bushes can easily handle Siberian winters, they are quite fussy about how and where they are planted, and who their neighbours are. Haskaps do best in a sunny location, in well-drained loam or sandy loam soil. They will tolerate well-drained clay soils. Their shallow root system means they can’t compete with … Continue reading →
Starting Pepper Plants Indoors
A practical, climate‑tuned guide for strong, early transplants Growing your own pepper plants indoors is one of the easiest ways to save money, expand your variety options, and ensure you have vigorous transplants ready for the garden. Peppers take their time — especially hot varieties — so giving them an early, well‑supported start makes all the difference. Kamloops gardeners know … Continue reading →
Pole Beans vs Bush Beans
Pole beans and bush beans both grow well in Kamloops, but the best choice depends on your space, summer heat, and how you like to harvest. Pole beans give longer, steadier harvests in our cooler nights, while bush beans produce quickly and all at once. Pole Beans – your long-season workhorses Are considered to have more intense flavour. Require plenty … Continue reading →
February Garden Tasks
A practical, early‑season checklist to bridge winter and spring As winter begins to loosen its grip, February offers a quiet but important window to prepare for the growing season ahead. Days are slowly lengthening, stored plants need a quick check, and early seed‑starting begins to take shape. Even though the garden is still resting under snow, a few thoughtful tasks … Continue reading →